UPDATE: Fire Department Says McLean Home Fire Started By Power Strip

UPDATE,  4:15pm. The Fairfax County Fire Department gave additional details of the fire at a Great Falls Street home Monday afternoon. The fire started in a first floor bedroom.

An electrical power strip caused the fire, the fire department said in a press release. According to fire investigators, the fire was accidental.

Three adults have been displaced. There were no injuries. Damage is estimated at $30,000. The original estimate was $100,000.

The fire department sent along these Electrical Safety Tips:

• Replace or repair loose or frayed cords on all electrical devices.
• Avoid overloading outlets. Plug only one high-wattage appliance into each receptacle outlet at a time.
• If your power goes out a lot or the lights in your home flicker, smell bad, or make noise, have an electrician come in to inspect your wiring.  
• The electrical outlet in the bathroom should have a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI).  This is a tool that protects you from dangerous shock when water and electricity come together.  An electrician can install a GFCI for you.
• All electrical outlets and switches should be covered by “face plates.”
• When possible, avoid the use of “cube taps” and other devices that allow the connection of multiple appliances into a single receptacle.
• Inspect electrical cords to make sure they are in good condition.
• Consider having additional circuits or outlets added by a qualified electrician so you do not have to use extension cords.
• Don’t tie or knot electrical cords.
• Don’t let furniture sit on electrical cords.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instruction for plugging an appliance into a receptacle outlet.

ORIGINAL STORY Dec. 13, 5:58am. A strong smell of smoke still surrounded a Great Falls Street home late Monday afternoon after an electrical panel circuit breaker caused a fire in the home near Sea Cliff Road.

The fire resulted in an estimated $100,000 in damage, the Fairfax County Fire Department said.

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department units responded to the house fire Sunday, at 1718 Great Falls St., at approximately 2:05 p.m., in the McLean area of Fairfax County.

Firefighters encountered heavy smoke and fire coming from the rear and both sides of the one and one-half story home upon arrival. Firefighters conducted an aggressive interior fire attack, bringing the fire under control in approximately 20 minutes, the fire department said in a statement.

Firefighters also conducted extensive overhaul operations to ensure all hidden fire hotspots were exposed and extinguished. Two occupants have been displaced. There were no injuries.

The split-level house, built in 1960, was owned by Roger P. Ng, who bought it in 2003, according to Fairfax County records.

According to the incident commander, the fire was accidental.